Editor's note: One of Press Christmas for All's dear friends brought in a check for $1,000 and this short story on Friday afternoon. While the donor asked to remain anonymous, he put no such restriction on his story.

He arrived as a rescue almost 15 years ago, a ball-crazy farm dog who immediately walked through a screen door and onto the swimming pool cover, where with great surprise he promptly sank. This was the beginning of our life with this amazing dog, Cooper.

Over the years he manhandled dozens of basketballs, outlasted girlfriends and once even an old cat that got in his face when he went in for a sniff. He's a special friend and companion who loved his kids. If you have owned a Border Collie, you know they are busy, but also loyal companions.

Cooper was incredibly gentle and so smart that he could pick up a new trick in no time at all. Until this year, he dribbled and moved with a ball as well as any human challenger. When he got tired, he would lay down and put a big paw on the ball as if to say "I dare you."

Through hundreds of miles following us mountain biking and untold number of camping trips, holidays and even an encounter with a moose, time caught up with Cooper in this season of remembrance and joy. In his memory, our family hopes our gift in Cooper's name can serve to help others start their own very special memories that foster family bonding and togetherness.

And Matt, Cooper wanted you to know that he was only trying to keep you from falling into the water when he grabbed your ankle. No harm done but always good for a few laughs.